Starting January 2017, Pierce College will offer college courses at Graham-Kapowsin High School, providing access to higher education for communities in south Pierce County.

Courses will be offered in the evenings, allowing working adults the added flexibility of earning college credits after work in their own community.

Bethel School District covers 202 square miles, and the community has little access to public transportation. This program especially benefits people who prefer to attend classes locally in-person rather than online or at one of Pierce College’s campuses in Puyallup or Lakewood.

Classes will be taught by Pierce College professors, and course offerings include general requirements students will need for nearly any career or education pathway they wish to pursue. Each course will meet twice a week, and free tutoring services will be available on site. Students may also be eligible for financial aid.

“We are so excited to collaborate with the Bethel School District to bring more opportunities to the community,” said Pierce College Puyallup President Marty Cavalluzzi. “These courses, combined with our online offerings, increase the community’s access to higher education.”

“The opportunity to have Pierce College teach courses at Graham Kapowsin is a great one, not only for our high school students, but also for our adults in the community,” said Bethel School District Superintendent Tom Seigel. “This is an opportunity that meets our community’s need for access to higher education.”

Current or prospective students interested in enrolling can attend an upcoming information session, taking place Dec. 14, 20 and 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Graham Kapowsin High School, located at 22100 108th Ave E, Graham, WA.

Addendum: The classes that will be offered in the winter quarter are:

1. English 101

2. College 110 (College Success)

3. Communication Studies 220 (public speaking)

4. English as a Second Language

If students can attend an information session on Dec. 14, 20 or 28, they will be able to take care of all registration and enrollment requirements on site in Graham. If they cannot attend, they will need to come to campus and take care of enrollment steps in Puyallup or Lakewood. – from Kate Burrows, Communications Specialist for Pierce College.

Long overdue – although this has been done in the past it has not been available for many years.
While in the Bethel School Board I toured the Franklin Pierce District with the President of Pierce College. I told her personally I envisioned a campus near Graham. Glad she acted on the idea!